What are the Best Crime Dramas to Watch on Netflix?

There are few genres of film (or television) that are more popular and respected than the crime drama. Some of the most respected films of all time can be included into this genre. For example, Godfather, often times touted as the greatest film of all time, or at least one of them, is just a well done crime drama.

In 2022, more and more people are moving away from the cinema experience, preferring rather to stay at home and watch films or television shows online, using the various streaming services. Among them, Netflix is one of the most popular. In this article, we are going to look over some of the best crime dramas that Netflix has to offer.

Goodfellas

A classic of the genre, Goodfellas is one of Martin Scorsese’s most popular, most beloved, and most successful films. A thorough look into the life of the mafia, the film tells the story of Henry Hill, a former mobster who is looking back on his life and times with the New York mafia. The film features a star-studded cast, with some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, etc.

The Card Counter

With the rise in popularity of the online casino, many people are becoming more and more interested in the world of gambling. It is for this reason, that gambling movies are becoming all the rage. The Card Counter, is an example of a film that combines the innate fascination most of us have with gambling, with the love that our pop culture seems to have towards crime dramas.

Directed by Paul Schrader, the film tells the story of high-stake gambler William Tell, a former military interrogator, who has turned towards gambling in an attempt to escape his past. Intense, dramatic, and thrilling, the Card Counter is the perfect movie to watch when you want to get your adrenaline pumping.

21

In a similar vein to the Card Counter, 21 is the story of a group of college students who use their studies to travel to Las Vegas and fleece a number of the biggest and richest casinos in Sin City. As expected of a movie starring a bunch of college kids, 21 is a lot more comedic and light-hearted than the Card Counter, however, it doesn’t sacrifice thrill and excitement, and remains a fun romp.

Knives Out

From director Rian Johnson, Knives Out is a throwback, and in some ways subversion, of the classic mystery tropes. A brilliant sleuth, a house full of suspects, and an impossible murder. What is not to love? Another film featuring a star-studded cast, Knives Out offers an exciting story, interesting characters, brilliant performances, and a twist which many will not see coming.

Scarface

Like Goodfellas, Scarface is a classic of the genre. Another story about the rise and fall of an infamous Mafioso, Scarface is a film recounting the life of Tony Montana, who rises through the ranks of the Cuban mafia, and eventually falls from grace when his ego gets too big for his organization.